Shahidan Yusof, who intended to challenge Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz for the post of Padang Rengas Umno division chief, is out in the cold - and he wants answers.

    

Claiming that his name as candidate was removed for no apparent reason, he wants an explanation from the party’s election committee.

Shahidan, a former secretary to the National Housing Council, said he only found out the news when it was reported by the media.

“I sought an explanation from the party headquarters and the state party headquarters but to no avail,” he said.

“If there is no explanation, people may (think I am) a bankrupt, former criminal or have violated the party regulations. If I have committed a technical fault, then the matter has to be explained to prevent any negative perceptions.”

Utusan Malaysia quoted Shahidan as saying that, according to Article 15.5 of the party constitution, any member can challenge for a division post if he has been a member for three years.

    

On this basis, he said, he feels qualified to contest the upcoming polls.

Berita Harian reported that Nazri is expected to retain the post, as the only other challenger - former treasurer Jamal Nasir Rasdi - had withdrawn his candidacy during the cooling-off period.